The “red island” of Madagascar is a unique natural reserve with animals and plants some of which cannot be found anywhere else but here. The shimmering music landscape is also unique, marked as it is by the diversity of peoples living on the island. After many years of silence, a new sensationally varied project has reached us from there.

The music legend Sammy founded a new band for these Network recordings: the power-ful singer Bosco with his charming female opposite Amiziou; the accordion virtuoso Medicis, influenced not only by the lightning speed of tsapiki, but also by traditional tromba salvation ceremonies; the creative percussionist Petit with his fine feeling for changes in style and rhythm. Sammy also invited top-ranking guests to he studio: flautist Rageroge, with his primal Madagascan roots; the Tana Gospel Choir, whose penetrating singing is really moving; and, reviving an almost forgotten tradition, the nine-piece wind orchestra Ambodirana Centre. Many of the tracks on this CD take up the rhythms and melodies of African dance music, one of the many innovations of this inner-Madagascan crossover.

The cherry on the cake during the celebrations marking Network’s thirtieth anniversary.